Monday Mortals: Janet Beasley

I'm delighted to have the fabulous author of the Hidden Earth series, Janet Beasley with me today...

Hi Janet! Can you tell us a little about your latest book. 

My latest book is more than one - it's a conglomeration of 3! There's the trilogy of Maycly which is Volume 1 in the inspirational epic fantasy Hidden Earth Series, and 2 companion books: a full color illustration book with detailed descriptions of the animals, plants, and dwellings (a great book to read before during or after reading Maycly), and the second companion book is a cookbook that offers menus, recipes, owner histories, tons of pics, illustrations, 2 indexes, and more stemming from the restaurants found in the novel Maycly...and yes, all recipes are fully preparable and edible right here on Earth!

What inspired you to write it?
My inspiration comes from my potpourri of life's happenings - trials, triumphs, and even a hint of love.

Is it part of a series?
Yes. The Hidden Earth Series is actually a 6 novel series. Volume 1 is titled Maycly the Trilogy. Just recently I unleashed the titles to the upcoming 5 volumes that will complete the series. You'll find the titles on my Hidden Earth Series website on the page titled Upcoming Novels.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
I'd love to see Drew Barrymore play Iona. Not all of these guys are around, but I think Dick Van Dyke - Buddy Ebsen - Red Skelton - or Ray Bolger would fill the shoes of The Man Behind The Dumpster and pull it off in style! When it comes to Wiskee - well, he could play his own part real well. Lucasphair is the perfect role to be filled by Johnny Depp, and Kathy Bates would make an outstanding Marlen. Jimmy Durante would have been great as Charleo, and Mark Addy would bring Artie the much needed charisma he needs.

What made you want to become an author?
My fantastical imagination combined with my compassion to inspire and encourage people of all ages!

Name one of your all-time favorite book covers?
Am I allowed to say my own? Really - I like the cover of Maycly best, out of all the books I hold in my iPad...not just because it is mine, but because our fabulous graphic designer presented me with something entirely different within the genre, and it was love a first site.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe simply because C.S. Lewis was able to convey Narnia in such a way it seemed very real.

Who, or what, inspires you?
Who? That would be Walt Disney, and my family. What? Tandem kayaking through nature with my hubby, photographing sunsets and wildlife, baking cupcakes, and playing with my dog.

Where is your favorite place to write?
My screened-in porch on a beautiful day - sipping a refreshing glass of iced tea - listening to the sounds of nature, or snuggled up in my writer's den when the weather is not cooperating - with a mug of white hot-chocolate topped with marshmallows - listening to my favorite stations on Pandora - and enjoying my "scrapbooked" walls filled with my nature photos and illustrations from Maycly.

What is your favorite movie that was based on a book?
Lord of the Rings

Who is your favorite author (s) and why?
Steve Hamilton - he writes in such a way it makes me feel as though I am always standing next to his protagonist.
Daniel Carter - he writes excellent action that holds my interest along with my breath wondering what is going to happen next.
Betty Dravis - a talented author in many genres. I laugh, I cry, I get scared out of my wits...so depending on the mood I'm in I know I can always pick up a "Betty Book" and satisfy my craving.
Jean E. Lane - a master at children's books. You've heard of historical fiction, well Jean E. brings you factual sci-fi fiction. Tons of fun, and characters you love to hang with.
Janet Tronstad - amazing talent used to bring charming stories that take you to a place you wish you could live forever.
C.S. Lewis - the master of fantasy and realism, a combination of which I'm quite fond.
J.K. Rowling - funny, I love the HP series for certain, but she is one of my favs simply because of her dedication, determination, and willingness to adapt - improvise - and overcome!
And of course, Walt Disney - does he really need an explanation as to why he's on my favorites list?

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Everyone mentioned above :)

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I love chocolate - the darker the cocoa the better! And if you throw in chili chocolate I'll be in heaven!

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
The quaint town I live in was once known as the Venice of Lake County - no, we don't have gondolas, but we certainly have the beautiful waterways on which they could journey.

Thank you for visiting, Janet! I loved reading your answers... you certainly have a wonderful joie de vivre!

Check out Janet's links below...

Amazon Author Bio: http://www.amazon.com/Janet-Beasley/e/B0067AK386/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Hidden Earth Series Website: http//www.HiddenEarthSeries.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorJanetBeasley =and= http://www.Facebook.com/JLBCreatives
Twitter Handles: @AuthorJanetB and @JLBCreatives
Linked In: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/janetbeasley
JLB Creatives Blog: http://www.JLBCreatives.Blogspot.com